Dr. Richard James Burgess MBE is Chair of PPL, leading the board as we continue to grow global neighbouring rights collections for our performer and recording rightsholder members.
Richard brings extensive experience from across the UK and international music industries. Since 2016, he has been President and CEO of A2IM and has held board roles with organisations including SoundExchange, WIN, Copyright Alliance and musicFIRST.
His career spans senior leadership, advocacy and hands‑on creative work as a studio musician, recording artist, songwriter and producer. He previously headed up business operations at Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, ran his own independent label and management company, and owned and operated multiple recording studios. As a manager, he has supported the careers of prominent producers, engineers and artists. He also authored two books on Oxford University Press on the topic of music production.